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According to Deadline, with Kristen Wiig potentially leaving the show when her contract ends this summer, Lorne Michaels is hedging his bets and has started auditioning potential new cast members. Apparently, Michaels has already tested seven comedians, among them funny ladies Kate McKinnon, Jessica Joy, Lauren Lapkus, and Elaine Carroll. Deadline reports that McKinnon has the edge and may make her “SNL” debut as early as next weekend, as Sophia Vergara hosts.

That said, it’s not clear if Michaels has already given McKinnon the stamp of approval, or if he plans to test out others as well. But if she makes the cut, McKinnon would be “SNL”‘s 42nd female and second out lesbian player, as well as the show’s first Kate. One small step for “SNL,” one giant leap for Kate-kind.